[Thanks CRT!]

23 hours ago, Mike the Boilerman said:

I have a similar story though possibly not so amazingly personalised. 

 

As a newbie to the canals having spent most of my boting life on The Thames, I set off up one of the Birmingham area flights on a wet Sunday afternoon, can't remember which, and after four locks encountered one with the handcuff locks all set. Never having seen these and the previous locks all happening by chance to be unlocked, I as totally wrong-footed. I called the BW number not expecting much but no, a helpful woman answered and explained about needing a 'handcuff key'. I said there wasn't one in the boat to my knowledge so she said don't worry, she would send someone out to bring me one. AMAZING! 

 

30 mins later a BW bod turned up with a handcuff key at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon, no charge. I tried to make him accept a tenner for key as I was so grateful but he was having none of it.

 

Like the OP, I find this level of customer service quite wonderful. Thank you BW, and latterly CRT. 

I had exactly the same experience on the BCN about seven years ago. Rang CaRT ( or more likely its predecessor) late in the afternoon, and within 15 mins a handcuff key was delivered.  Wonderful service and no money accepted although offered.

 

We have experienced nothing but superb assistance and service over the years from so many waterways personnel. We may have been lucky, but I prefer to think that it is the norm.